Catherine Laborde, the beloved former weather presenter of TF1, has passed away at the age of 73. Born on May 8, 1951, she had been battling Lewy body dementia since 2014. Her family announced her death on January 28, 2025, noting she peacefully succumbed to her illness at her home on the Île d'Yeu, which she cherished deeply.
Laborde's sister, journalist Françoise Laborde, shared moving tributes on social media, stating, “You left peacefully from your house on the Île d'Yeu, which you loved so much.” This emotional farewell reflects the tremendous impact LaBorde had on her family and the public.
For nearly three decades, from 1988 to 2017, Catherine Laborde was the face of weather reporting at TF1. She captively presented forecasts with warmth and professionalism, transforming the evening weather segment. On January 1, 2017, she delivered her final broadcast, unannounced, closing out a remarkable career enriched by fond memories and viewer trust.
During her farewell, Laborde shared her emotions with viewers, saying, “I will carry you with me. You will forget me, but I won't forget you. I love you.” Her words left many viewers reflecting on the countless moments they shared with her over the years.
Laborde suffered from Lewy body dementia, which she revealed publicly through her 2018 book, Trembler. The disease is characterized by cognitive disorders similar to Alzheimer’s, causing memory and recognition issues, and Laborde faced these challenges bravely.
Her courageous narrative continued as she discussed her struggles during interviews, like the one on TF1’s show Sept à Huit where she described her condition, saying, “This state is incredibly painful, as if I have weight to carry, whether I agree with it or not. One doesn’t know where they are or who they are.”
Born and raised near Bordeaux, Laborde initially trained as an actress at the Bordeaux Conservatory of Dramatic Arts. She appeared on-screen in various roles since the early 1970s, including significant works like Cousin Cousine and Il y a longtemps que je t'aime.
Besides weather presenting, she ventured boldly as both writer and performer. Laborde published several books, providing insights on relationships and personal challenges, including her 2020 work, Amour malade, co-written with her husband, which tackled life with chronic illness.
Catherine Laborde’s legacy extends beyond her career at TF1, as her honesty about her health struggles inspired many. She was not just the ‘Madame météo’ for viewers but became emblematic of resilience and grace.
Her passing leaves a void not only among viewers who adored her but also within the community, as she represented the face of reassurance and warmth during countless weather reports.
The impact of her departure resonates well beyond personal loss, highlighting the importance of kindness and human connection, especially during difficult times, as echoed by Françoise Laborde’s heartfelt words: “You gifted us with the last moments of awareness and lucidity.”
Throughout her life, Catherine Laborde embodied sincerity and the ability to connect deeply with her audience. Her contributions to French television, along with her brave battle against illness, will be remembered fondly, as she continues to live on through the many lives she touched.
The warmth she exuded on screen, coupled with her candid discussions about her illness, created a legacy of empathy and strength, inspiring future generations to understand the human experience fully.